SVM is Hosting Annual Small Animal Health Fair for Community

Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine is Hosting

Annual Small Animal Health Fair for Community

by Anissa Riley

TUSKEGEE, Ala. (October 9, 2009) - Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine (TUSVM) is hosting its Annual Small Animal Health Fair on Saturday, October 24, 2009, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the School's Small Animal Hospital. Prevention and early detection of diseases for pets is the message being passed on not only to the residents of Macon County but to residents in the adjacent counties in Georgia and the surrounding counties in Alabama of Lee, Bullock, Elmore, Montgomery and Autauga.

"TUSVM's Small Animal clinicians are encouraging everyone whose pet has not had a physical examination in the last 12 months to participate. We are emphasizing prevention because it is much more cost effective than treatment which can be very expensive for pets such as dogs, cats, and pocket pets like gerbils and hamsters," said Dr. Pamela Guy, Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences and Chair of the Small Animal Health Fair.

Also, the School's clinicians want pet owners to realize that many of the intestinal parasites are especially serious because they are contagious, not only from pet-to-pet, but from pet-to-people.

During the Health Fair, all pets will receive complimentary physical examinations, heartworm tests, and fecal examinations for intestinal parasites. The clinical staff is requesting that anyone interested in having their pet receive the fecal examination, please bring a small sample in a plastic container labeled to accommodate this process.

For a modest fee, pet owners can update their dogs' and cats' vaccinations for rabies and other serious but preventable diseases as well as get deworming and heartworm pills. Also, trainer Jerry Barnes will be on hand for anyone wishing to do consulting for dog obedience training.

Through TUSVM's comprehensive Small Animal Health Fair, everyone is encouraged to adopt an effective preventive health care program for their pets and to participate in this year's health fair. Appointments are not necessary for this special event.

For more information, please call the Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine's (TUSVM) Small Animal Hospital, 334-727-8436.